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Chestnut Ranch #1

A Cowboy and his Neighbor

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Best friends and neighbors shouldn't share a kiss...

Jenna Wright grew up next-door to Chestnut Ranch and the five Johnson brothers. Her older brother was best friends with Seth Johnson, and Jenna may or may not have had a crush on the handsome cowboy in her younger years.

It was a long time ago, she tells herself.

Now that she's divorced and back in town, she definitely has eyes for her best friend.

Will he ever notice her?

Jenna reasons that he's busy with his ranch and his dog rescue operation.

They had an Edible Neighborhood project they were working until funding became a problem, and when Seth learns he's inherited over two billion dollars from his mother's half of a family cosmetic empire, he rushes to tell Jenna they can now fund the Edible Neighborhood.

He wasn't supposed to kiss her.

It was an accident, he tells himself.

But Seth's own feelings roar to the surface, and he can't ignore them.

Where did those come from?

Can best friends and next-door neighbors Seth and Jenna navigate their rocky pasts to find a future happily-ever-after together?

278 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2019

4083 people are currently reading
811 people want to read

About the author

Emmy Eugene

24 books67 followers

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5 stars
1,946 (54%)
4 stars
1,006 (28%)
3 stars
435 (12%)
2 stars
126 (3%)
1 star
61 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Lapke.
42 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2021
I needed a fun read and this did the job! It was like reading a cheesy hallmark movie and I loved it. Might go on to read more from this series :)
Profile Image for B. D. Mann.
664 reviews22 followers
November 18, 2021
I don’t know if I have ever read a story that featured so many, many dogs. At times, I believe Jenna took second place to dogs in this story. Although Seth’s ranch had horses and cows, I think there were more dogs that called the ranch home. It took a bit of reading before I really began to get into the story because Seth seemed to have a greater interest in dogs than he did in Jenna. However, Ms. Eugene eventually turned things around so that Jenna finally became center stage as Seth’s love interest. Seth and Jenna had both been married before and those marriages both ended in divorce. Consequently, both had to deal with the pain each experienced due to those failed marriages before they could become open to moving on. Once the story made that transition, I really began to enjoy a page-turning experience as Seth and Jenna transitioned from being long-time neighbors and friends to boyfriend and girlfriend. I only found two editorial errors that detracted from the excellence of this story.

First, when Seth visited Jenna in her hospital room, the author writes this sentence: “He felt like the ground in front of him would vanish at any moment, and he didn’t dare take another step.” Her editors should have corrected this error which seems to be common among many authors. The word “ground” is defined as a noun that means “the solid surface of the earth.” Obviously, the word “ground” is not the correct noun in this situation.

Secondly, in describing a feeling Seth experienced, the author writes, “the pit in his stomach didn’t go away.” This is a version of the phrase, “pit of the stomach,” which is defined as “the part of a person’s stomach where strong feelings of nervousness, excitement, etc., can be felt.” Obviously, the “pit in his stomach” could not “go away” since it is a location only and therefore could not “go away.” This is a common error many authors make, and which is commonly missed by editors. It is also a pet peeve of mine. Four Stars.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,533 reviews91 followers
June 17, 2022
Story about cowboy Seth, who loved horses and dogs, and has the hots for neighbour Jenna. Started off a bit slow, with Seth getting around to doing something about it. Jenna giggled so much I was getting irritated with it, but it did get better. 3☆
1,383 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2020
A sweet, clean western romance. Very nice characters, limited drama and a lovely ending. I read this book under the title A Cowboy and his Neighbor.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
December 2, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/2/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Gaufre.
467 reviews27 followers
abandoned
February 12, 2020
DNF after Chapter 1.

There is so much telling in the first chapter and the inheritance was so.... convenient.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
October 3, 2019
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
199 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2021
Dogs and more dogs and how to take care of them besides which a nice romance in the background

Seth Johnson has a very pretty neighbor that he's always been very friendly with Jenny. Jenny and her turn has always been attracted to Seth and one day when he comes over to visit her she's on the ground searching for a ring when he says hello and she bumps her head so hard she needs stitches. Jenny wakes up in the hospital not knowing how she got there with her brother and Seth there with her. She's woozy and has a splitting headache but other than that she is much better. Seth never does get to tell her his news it's not the appropriate time. There's a neighborhood planting project that Seth wants to restart and finish this time but he needs Jenny's help. Jenny needs his help with the grammar school reading program who needs volunteers to read to the children three times a week. So Jenny and Seth agree to barter Seth will give up 3 hours of his time in Reading to the children and Jenny will give up 3 hours of her time on Saturday for the community garden. Not to mention they have the dog adoption coming up on the 4th Saturday of every month. This adoption of the dogs usually takes place that just not ranch but Jenny has an idea to do it at the city park and Chestnut Springs is the ideal location. She also has the idea of bandanas for the dogs that are wanting to go to new homes after training. Seth thinks it's a good idea and pick some up for the eight dogs that are going to be adopted. Seth and Jenny both take care of adoption Saturday she handles the paperwork and he handles the customers and interviews them and teaches them what to do with their new dog.
50 reviews
December 20, 2019
I enjoyed reading the story of Jenna and Seth. They had been friends and neighbors for years, with Seth being the Best Friend of Jenna's brother. Jenna returns to town after her divorce and becomes involved in a community project called Edible Neighborhood with Seth. Unfortunately, funding the project is a problem, and things grind to a halt.
Up until this point, the story made sense. Jenna and Seth appeared to be adults, albeit somewhat immature, naive, and romantically inexperienced considering both had been divorced and were over the age of 35.
But when Seth is given part of his inheritance and becomes rich with a capital R, suddenly Jenna develops all sorts of insecurities concerning Seth. He, for his part, remained unchanged. He is still a reliable and loveable guy.
I had a difficult time liking Jenna's character. But, overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a clean, romance with a Happy Ever After ending.
I look forward to reading about Seth's brothers.
1,180 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2021
I hope it’s just me

Every book I’ve read lately has, for me, been 1-star.
This is no different. Seth (the presumed H) seemingly runs a dog rescue, Edible Neighborhood, whatever that is, and a host of other things.
They have worked hard to take up the slack for their father who can’t work. I don’t know why.
Now we learn his mother has just inherited about 8 BILLION dollars by selling her share of a family business.
Was she unaware of this business previously? Evidently not. Couldn’t she have sold it sooner? Can’t see why not. Did she not receive proceeds from it? Who can say. None of it so far makes much sense.
It is riddled with typos, and could really use a good editor.
But the most 1 star worthy thing I can say, is I read the first few chapters and there is absolutely nothing to gain, nor hold my interest. At all. Nothing I have read makes me care about these characters or their hea.

668 reviews
December 6, 2019
Jenna and Seth

Seth is doing everything he can to make the dog adoption work. His two dogs, Winner and Thunder are his constant companions. When one of his four brothers reminds him of dinner at their parents home, he realizes it's not in his calendar and has to put it there before he forgets, everything goes in his calendar he is just too busy. His parents are ready for all of their sons when they get there and have them sit for a family meeting before dinner as they have something to share that is going to change all their lives. Momma comes from a family that had money and her only sister has bought out her share of the family cosmetic business, so her two daughters who work in the industry can have a share. Each of the five Johnson boys have just received 3.2 Billion dollars! The only advice their daddy gives is to wait a year before spending any of it. Seth can't wait to tell his next door neighbor and partner in the Edible Neighborhood project, Jenna, that they need to have another meeting with the neighborhood to see if they will agree with the idea if it doesn't cost them anything, as he will now fund the whole project! Jenna is under her piano trying to reach her mother's ring, when Seth comes in and startles her. She hits her head under the piano and sees stars. When she gets out finally she is woozy and the back of her head is bleeding! Seth helps her and right before she blacks out she tells him she really likes his cowboy hat. The next thing she knows she is waking up in the hospital with her brother Isaac on one side and Seth on the other and both are holding her hands. When Isaac leaves the room Seth can't help himself he is so relieved she is going to be okay that he kisses her!! Where did that come from? They are neighbors and have been forever! Can Seth ever love again? He's been divorced for five years from Wendy, who he never should have married. Does Jenna have any feelings for him? That kiss felt like she might. What to do? Will Seth and Jenna be able to find happiness? Or are they both too broken? Emmy Eugene has done a great job of writing this story and you won't be disappointed with it! 😊
514 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2020
The only thing I don't understand is why there are two different titles for this book...? What a refreshing story. No kidnapping, no sex. Just two people, Seth and Jenna who have been in each other's lives all of their lives. Both have moved from their hometowns, gone to college, gotten married, been divorced and due to circumstances beyond their control, moved back to their hometowns again. Seth had always had feelings for Jenna but has never told her as his best friend is her brother and he and his brothers were warned long ago not to go there with Jenna. This story is full of the feelings and doubts two people have when they have been hurt by others. The ups and downs of friendship trust and love are described wonderfully and I am looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Tonya Stinnett.
204 reviews
April 13, 2021
Great book

This is a great book. It seems to lack some thing in it. But overall a great read. I will try the other books in this series just to see what happens with the brothers but I don’t expect it to be a WOW book. I don’t know that this would even be a reread. As at time it did not have my attention.

Seth is divorced and trying to move on. When he thinks his neighbor Jenna just might be the one something always comes up. Jenna divorce was hard for her and her ex always bought her stuff to make up for something he did wrong or something he was trying to fix. So Jenna takes this with her when she moves on which makes moving forward hard for anyone.
112 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2022
a good read

There was almost never a meat ion of God. The characters we nice people, and occasionally threw out a quickly prayer but this was a Christian wannabe novel, not something that moves your soul.
I actually really licked the book. It was clean, no sex, no bad words. But as far as a Christian romance I would say it was pretty simple.
The premise was good. I liked the dogs and examples set in it. There was nothing wrong with it but it was just a clean romance novel with a couple of “save me from pain” prayers, not a truly soul searching, heart healing, turning to God book. It was a fun story and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,919 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2022
Seth and jenna

This is the third series I have read from this author (I have read book one of her new series,Seth was in that series also as it's the same world) but I had a problem with this author in the other series she has a habit of jumping to other characters minds (future couples) it also makes everything predictable.But thank the Lord this book stays with Seth and Jenna no mind jumping to others that I can remember.but there was some characters that jumped to next day like you just missed what happened before that.that's why 3 stars.I liked the couple but I did feel Jenna was punishing Seth for someone else wrong doing and it went on to long.
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books29 followers
April 5, 2025
Good, Sweet Story

Clean? Check! Sweet? Check! The characters and plot were well crafted and with a nice, steady pace, it was pretty easy to read. There were a few minor technical errors but nothing that pulled me from the story. I generally dislike the idea that friends can’t also be marriage options. My momma always told me if I couldn’t be friends with someone, how could I think I’d be able to live with that person for a lifetime. I find it’s true of my parents and my own marriage. I also didn’t really understand why the heroine had as much trouble as she did. But overall, this is a sweet romance that’s gonna appeal to romance lovers who enjoy clean, sweet plots.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,808 reviews13 followers
May 13, 2020
Sweet story

This is a new author for me and I, for the most part enjoyed the book. I didn't care for Jenna. She treated Seth terribly. She threw away the beautiful roses he surprised her with at her work, only because her ex-husband bought her things to make up for his issues? She also didn't act like she was 37. I liked Seth's character, except that he did let busyness control him and Jenna did fall to the side of his attention at times. Especially for coming into all that money...he could have hired more ranch hands and/or assistants.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bolen.
2,156 reviews29 followers
October 15, 2020
The infertile thing was real

I'm barren and 10 years later I still burst into tears sometimes. It was my greatest dream to have children and it stings. The weird reaction she had to him was off putting. It made me respect her less because it just came off as erratic. The issue of work vs. enjoyment is an issue most of us won't face. As most of us can't afford to miss work let alone just exist without income. It rang more false than the sudden billionaire thing. Most of us if we came into money would buy things to make our lives easier.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews22 followers
February 8, 2020
Okay

This is a new author to me. I enjoyed the storyline, however, there were times Seth and Jenna acted more like teenagers than their real ages. There were also several errors that better proofreading should have caught that were a bit distracting.

I enjoyed reading about the dog rescue operation, the edible neighborhood project, family dynamics, and seeing Seth and Jenna get past their fears regarding marriage and relationships.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,847 reviews12 followers
March 22, 2020
This is a cute story about best friends becoming lovers. I believe true friendship will develop into a purer kind of love. Jenna and Seth have that kind of chemistry. They don't act on it, but feed their friendship, until it becomes more. I like Jenna and Seth, but Seth seems a little too goody two shoes for a real man. I liked the story line and plot. It's just a matter of being open to new possibilities.
334 reviews
November 1, 2020
Enjoyed

This was a truly heartwarming romance. What a great loving person Seth is with a wonderful heart. Both Jenna and Seth had been married and divorced with doubts about ever getting married again. There is a great set of characters to help make this a great story and of course the puppies don't hurt either. Her fears cause a few bumps in their road to happy but not for to long.
110 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2021
First comes love, then comes marriage!

Another very enjoyable story! Jenna and Seth were neighbors on ranches next door to each other. They had both been married previously, neither of which lasted. They renewed their friendship,which with some twists and turns became great love leading to marriage. I chose a four star rating because I really enjoyed the couple and their story, didn't find anything not to like, and would recommend the book to all my friends!

Profile Image for Pamela DeMine.
100 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2021
it was a fun bread, but too trite. z gone oils have written this. too plain.

when Jenna broke up with Seth, there needed to be s climactic moment when they got back together , something scary should have happened to grip the reader. Seth and Jenna were a bit bland. tell me more Bout Seth's family. tell me more about each of their marriages, don't just gloss over them. readers want to know all Bout the characters.
Profile Image for Melinda Hennies.
1,212 reviews
January 8, 2022
Loved Jenna and Seth's book..Seth's has a big heart and lives rescuing dogs and getting them well and trained and finding new homes. Jenna works at school and tea hes piano. She moved home when her mom fell ill and stayed once she died and her marriage ended.
Seth has had a crush on Jenna for years and finds himself kissing her when she was at ER. Jenna also feels something..these two both suffered from past marriage but together they are so good!
Profile Image for fiona.
65 reviews
April 4, 2020
Fun and enjoyable story

Easy to read happy ever after romance with entertaining storyline and nicely written characters.
New to this author and I am going to download the next book in the series now.
Give it a go. It won't change the world but its definitely a good way to kill some time.
Profile Image for James a Schmidt.
305 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2020
A Cowboy and his Neighbor,a great book

This book starts out about five brothers,a ranch,a girl and a bunch of dogs.The dogs get a lot of credit in this book because that’s what brings the whole book together,along with the brother and the neighbor girl.But it is definitely a good read and I hope you enjoy it!
118 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2021
Some people get a second chance

Well written story. When neighbors grow up and move away and start a new life. Often those marriages don't work out and leave people leary of trying again. This couple is very hesitant about opening up again. Even if they grew up together things change in their lives and they are very hesitant to try again.
Profile Image for Lisa Michelle Pichner.
180 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2021
Fantastic read

Miss Eugene is new to me and I absolutely loved this read.
Seth and Jenna are the perfect couple that both went through horrible marriages.
Neither wanting to find love what but fate is a strange thing.
This was well written and an easy read.
I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kathryn Holden.
242 reviews
June 11, 2021
Predictable but fun. I don’t think the cowboys really need to all be billionaires- seems a bit excessive and didn’t buy into that sort of inheritance based on the info provided. Millionaires would’ve been more reasonable. That’s really the only thing that bothered me. A lot. So a solid 3.5 stars rounded up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews

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